Owners, Customers Await Store Opening Tuesday

“Once Upon a Child,” the national franchise that buys and sells gently used and new children's clothes, toys, books and equipment, will celebrate a local grand opening at 10 a.m. today.

The store, co-owned by Erin Schmidt and her mother, Kim, of Verona, is located at 137 Route 46 West in Fairfield. The family also owns both Funtime Junction and Dynamite Falls mini-golf.

Previously, the store was only open to buy items from parents to stock up their 5,000-square-foot building with children's clothes, strollers, potties, books and playhouses. 

In addition to selling those items, Once Upon a Child offers cash for gently used children's clothes, toys, books and equipment.

“If you wish to sell your things, it’s very environmental and green,” said Erin Schmidt. “Rather than putting it on the curb to fill a landfill you can bring it in and get cash on the spot.”

The Schmidt's said they have had an enormous response from the community.

“We heard people will line up the night before, but we don't know if that will really happen,” said Erin.